Beschreibung:

Artist: Arthur Armstrong RHA (1924-1996) Title: Grey Landscape Signature: signed lower left Medium: oil on board Size: 76.20 x 91½cm (30 x 36in) Framed Size: 85.5 x 101cm (33.7 x 39.8in) Provenance: James Adams, Dublin: 18th September 1974; New Apollo Gallery, Dublin (stamp verso); James Adams, Dublin, 28th September 2016, Lot 103; Private Collection a#morebtn { color: #de1d01; } a#morebtn:hover { cursor: pointer;} A painting that encapsulates Armstrong's style at its best, Grey Landscape is an essay in tones and textures, that hovers between representation and abstraction. Armstrong regarded himself as an abstract painter, in the true sense of the word, and prided himself on never painting 'views'. As with mo... Read more Arthur Armstrong Lot 54 - 'Grey Landscape' Estimate: €3,000 - €5,000 A painting that encapsulates Armstrong's style at its best, Grey Landscape is an essay in tones and textures, that hovers between representation and abstraction. Armstrong regarded himself as an abstract painter, in the true sense of the word, and prided himself on never painting 'views'. As with most of his work, the surface of Grey Landscape has a material presence that reflects the solid and enduring qualities of the coastline depicted. Armstrong sought to convey a sense of the primordial, envisioned the landscape it was before settled by mankind. He responded to the sculptural form of weathered boulders on the seashore, conscious of the geological age they represented. Incisions cut into the painted gesso add to a sense of age and permanence. Yet in this work there is also a strong sense of the ever-changing grey or white light that often envelops the West of Ireland coastline. While the foreground is abstract, a white expanse of sea, terminating in a high horizon line, allows the observer to imagine the vastness of the ocean. The sky is a pale grey, as is the sea, with waves lapping the beach indicated with simple brushstrokes of white. Although born in Carrickfergus, and living for the most part in Dublin, Armstrong loved the West of Ireland and spent much time there, particularly in the area around Roundstone. Having studied in France, Spain and England, he loved also to travel, and his work was exhibited in these countries, as well as in the USA. The influence of post-war French art is evident in Armstrong's style. He was also involved in theatre stage design, and in 1969, along with George Campbell and Gerard Dillon painted sets for Juno and the Paycock at the Abbey Theatre. During the 1970's and 80's Armstrong had a series of successful exhibitions at the Kenny Gallery in Galway. Peter Murray, May 2021